Connie's Italian Diner & Rooftop Terrazza Connie's Italian Diner & Rooftop Terrazza

Award-winning Melbourne hospitality duo Michael and Zara Madrusan of Made in the Shade Group have introduced classic Italian hospitality to Russell Street, launching Connie's Italian Diner & Rooftop Terrazza.

Named after Michael's beloved Nonna Connie, the New York-inspired slice joint, Connie's Pizza originally launched as a hole-in-the-wall in 2017 within Made in the Shade's iconic rock 'n' roll bar, Heartbreaker. Now with an ambitious space directly above Heartbreaker, Connie's has expanded into a standalone modern 100-seat trattoria, showcasing traditional dishes inspired by Michael's memories of growing up in his family's Italian restaurants.

Connie's is part of the acclaimed Made in the Shade group that unites a number of Melbourne-based venues and brands, owned and operated by Michael and Zara Madrusan: The Everleigh, Bar Margaux, Heartbreaker, The Everleigh Bottling Co. & Navy Strength Ice Co.

CONNIE'S ITALIAN DINER
Opening 21 April 2022

Wednesday to Saturday
5PM 'TIL LATE

Connie's Pizza at Heartbreaker Bar
NYC-style pizza by the slice or pie

Tuesday to Thursday
3PM 'TIL 1AM
Friday & Saturday
3PM 'TIL 3AM

theurbanlist.com verdict

Straight out of the swinging light, rock n roll halls of Heartbreaker, in-house pizza bar, Connie's, has made it big time, securing a trattoria-style diner for its mega slices and Italia-styled dining just up the stairs from the bar.

The all-new restaurant and rooftop Terrazza is headed up by hospitality veteran duo, Michael and Zara Madrusan (Bar Margaux, The Everleigh, Heartbreaker). The inspiration behind the new venture comes from Michael's Grandmother, Connie, who was instrumental in developing Michael's love for food and Italian cuisine, the menu features several nods to his formative years which have come to life with head chef, Matteo D'Elia, who's graced several Michelin-starred kitchens.

"The Connie's concept is grounded in a love of traditional home cooking and a feel-good, warm and welcoming atmosphere...I love that we can give Connie's its own space and brand finally, and showcase something super close to my heart," says Micheal. There'll be the old Connie's favourites including Grandma-style pizzas as well as a couple new additions including smokey roasted peppers and sausage barbecued on the rooftop, a Sunday ragu served across the weekend, as well as a staple lobster linguine and a Tiramisu-inspired sundae.

Inside the 100-seat diner, vinyl booths are decorated in red and white check tablecloths, stain-glassed lampshades hover over every table. The walls are littered with yesteryear film posters, whilst overhead lights bounce off rows of a signed black and white print of 70s Jack Nicholson. The rooftop Terrazza section of Connie's provides plenty of CBD vistas with vantage points throughout and space to capture some sun with bench seating spread between hanging lights, and a selection of plants.

Michael and Zara's reputation around the bar is almost second to none, so you can expect a seriously curated list of drinks, with wines from regions across Italy, as well as cocktails, aperitifs and more. Connie's is set to open later in April, keep an eye for all updates over here.

Review: theurbanlist.com

❊ Address ❊

 ℅ Naarm
 ⊜  234B Russell Street  Melbourne  View Map
 ✆ Telephone: (03) 8413 2970

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❊ Web Links ❊

➼ Connie's Italian Diner & Rooftop Terrazza 

❊ Also See... ❊

➼ Heartbreaker Bar






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